Implications in the Classroom

There are several challenges that teachers will experience when teaching a students with an articulation disorder. Below are the some possible challenges that teachers, parents, administrators, and the child may encounter.

ChildFrom the child's viewpoint, this disorder can be very frustrating and embarrassing. The student knows what the word is suppose to sound like and often think they are saying it properly. Therefore, it is very frustrating when they are constantly being told to pronounce it properly. This can lead to shyness and low self esteem. Students with this disorder may not want to answer questions verbally. They may feel like they are not as smart as other children or different and isolated, because they talk differently. Another issue that some students with articulation disorder face is teasing from peers. Since their speech is different, it gives ammunition for students.

TeacherFrom the viewpoint of the teacher, one of the best things in order to understand this disorder is to be aware. There are many ways to do this. One is to start communication with the parents. They will likely know that their child has a speech disorder, and may have strategies that they use at home that could help you in your classroom. However, they may not have noticed the articulation disorder. The teacher and parent need to be on the same page.

If you are teaching a students with articulation disorder, there are a number of challenges that you may face. One is that the student with the language disorder may be bullied because of their differences. One way in which to help this situation is to do an honouring diversity activity or to talk to your class about the difficulties faced by those with expressive language disorder. A student with expressive language disorder may also have lower self confidence, or have trouble making friends. Both of these issues could be addressed in the same way as above. By including the child into the learning environment and making them feel like part of the community, these issues may not occur.

ParentsIt is likely that the parents were the first ones that noticed that their child has expressive language disorder, and they may have many ideas and strategies that a teacher would be able to use in their classroom. All parents want their to child to succeed and be happy. Therefore, they will want to know that you are helping their child, working to improve their speech and also making them feel welcome in your classroom. They will also be protective over any teasing or bullying. As a teacher you need to make sure that you work with the parents to make sure the child succeeds and is happy.

AdministrationAdministration need to be aware of what is going on with all of their students. Therefore, they need to keep an eye open for any signs of teasing and bullying happening due to any type of exceptionality. They also need to be proactive and set up a safe and inviting school environment that does not tolerate any type of behaviour like that. Also, administration needs to try and get the appropriate resources for the student such as a speech therapist.

Other StudentsOther students often don't know about exceptionalities. They need to become informed and aware. Once they are informed and aware, they can understand what their peers are going through. This way they can become apart of making a safe and welcoming environment.